Nights always felt longer for Lixue, now she felt her drawn into this particular dream state that she couldn't get out of, it was her 18th birthday which had turned out to be one of the saddest days in her life.
The sounds of laughter and music echoed in her mind. The grand hall of the Xiao family estate was alive with celebration, but not for her. Instead, Yu Jia, her stepsister, stood at the center of the festivities, basking in the attention of family and guests.
"Isn't Yu Jia wonderful?" someone said. "She's so talented, so poised. Truly the pride of the Xiao family."
Lixue stood in the corner, clutching the hem of her dress tightly. It wasn't Yu Jia's birthday—it was hers. Yet no one seemed to remember or even care. The ache in her chest grew heavier as the night went on, every laugh and cheer another reminder of her place in the family: unseen, unwanted and unloved.
